Course Information

Course Content

This brand new two-day course has been designed by The City Law School in conjunction with The Law Society and is designed to prepare delegates with the knowledge and skills to apply for formal assessment to gain access to the panel of accredited practitioners.

Day one of the training will focus on the black letter law and incorporate group activities to test candidates’ legal knowledge including key legislative developments. This will cover, in particular, The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2015 and impact of the Transparency and Case Management pilots upon daily practice.

Day two will be skills-based and incorporate a case-study which will require candidates to apply their knowledge of the black letter law, professional conduct issues and the practical skills required for representing vulnerable clients who lack capacity.

Candidates will be divided into small groups to work on the case-studies and will feedback to the larger group.

Teaching and Assessment

Preparation for Assessments

The course content and delivery will ensure that the knowledge and practical skills required to meet specified learning outcomes are provided and embedded. The methods of delivery will require candidates to be participative. This will provide practical learning opportunities for candidates to enhance their skills when working with “P” and all other parties involved in proceedings.

The multiple choice testing at the end of the course will be aligned with the learning outcomes and will, therefore, assess whether candidates apply their knowledge to facts appropriately and make decisions which ensure that “P’s” best interests are met.

Taking the Assessment

Our assessment is designed to ensure that potential Solicitors wishing to appear on the panel are properly equipped to perform at the level required when appearing in court, and successful candidates will know that they have achieved a high standard in the skills required as set out by The Law Society. They will be well prepared to appear in court and will feel confident to do so. The assessment itself comprises:

A two hour written assessment to deal with the knowledge elements presented in an MCT format

The training and MCT assessment is designed specifically to prepare candidates in advance of the formal application process which they can then apply for through The Law Society.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes of the course will ensure candidates:

Demonstrate that they can consolidate their knowledge of current mental capacity law and procedure and have an in-depth understanding of Court of Protection practice and procedure;

Demonstrate broad background knowledge of areas of law relevant to advising and representing clients who may lack capacity under the MCA, including mental health law, community care, human rights law and relevant law applicable in Wales;

Demonstrate that they apply their knowledge in a practical and appropriate manner which is in the best interests of “P” and that they can represent P effectively in Court of Protection proceedings; and

Demonstrate that they are aware of “P”’s needs, with particular reference to their vulnerability arising from an impairment or disturbance of their mind or brain.